weekend wanderlust: new orleans

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE text & photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE Sometimes the best adventures can be found at home. Rather than fly out of the country for Spring Break this year, I spent an ample amount of time in The Big Easy,…

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ByMarilyn La Jeunesse

Published on April 25, 2016

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

text & photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

Sometimes the best adventures can be found at home. Rather than fly out of the country for Spring Break this year, I spent an ample amount of time in The Big Easy, wandering the cobblestone streets and drinking perhaps one too many gin fizz cocktails. Traveling to the birthplace of jazz, there was no lack of music on my journey to the South. New Orleans is a true gem — from its hospitality to its architecture, everything about this city has soul.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

The JW Marriott

The JW Marriott in the French Quarter blends New Orleans history and luxury together perfectly. While the rooms are quite cozy, you’re going to want to spend most of your down time sitting in a statement chair in the stunning lobby or tipping back a cocktail at the opulent hotel bar.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

With a stellar location, aptitude towards gorgeous interior design, and a seriously helpful concierge, the JW Marriott is definitely worth every penny.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

Louis Armstrong Park

I came to New Orleans without a plan, so all I really did was wander. Wandering is truly the best way to discover a city’s hidden gems.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

I particularly fell in love with Louis Armstrong Park, a public area with a long history and dozens of gorgeous art sculptures. The park honors jazz in a beautiful way.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

Bring a book (and maybe a small picnic) and enjoy the afternoon lazing around this gorgeous area.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSEPhotography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

The Gumbo Shop

Alright, alright. I couldn’t go all the way to New Orleans without trying some of their world famous gumbo! Due to dietary restrictions, The Gumbo Shop was the only place we could find vegetarian gumbo.

Vegetarian muffulettas can be found nearby at The French Market!

Although a bit touristy, this restaurant definitely delivered on taste, atmosphere, and service. Sit down for a beer and enjoy their homemade gumbo before an evening walking the French Quarter. Don’t miss Jackson Square for the view (and maybe a beignet or two!).

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

The French Quarter

You can’t visit New Orleans without stopping by to view the extraordinarily colorful architecture in the French Quarter.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

We could learn a thing or two from the houses in this district, like you can never have too much color, wrought iron balconies are always in style, and window shutters are an absolute necessity.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

Saint Louis Cemetery Tour

To some, a cemetery tour may seem morose, but in New Orleans, it’s a definite must.

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

Cemeteries are a vital part of this city’s history, and taking an educational tour through one of the most famous ones is actually required (especially, if you want to see the tomb of the famed Voodoo queen).

Photography by MARILYN LA JEUNESSE

On my tour through the Saint Louis Cemetery, I learned a whole lot about the history of Saint Louis (like that it was actually owned by the Spanish at some point!), and I was even able to see the future burial site of actor Nicolas Cage.